The case for Place Based Public Service BudgetsFirst published on LabourList 31st JanuaryOn...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/741143713687977984
First published on LabourList 27.12.23.An enduring myth about national identity in England – not...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/738435982885584896
Labour needs to refresh its multiculturalismFirst published on LabourList, Monday 13th NovemberThe...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/734243149773471744
First published on the Bennett Institute website 12.9.23.General Elections are often followed by...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/734238062075428864
Abstract of a paper published by John Denham and Lawrence McKay (both University of Southampton) in...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/734221418354638848
Across a summer of international cricket, rugby and football, and across both men’s and women’s...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/733966148324950016
This note was submitted to members of Labour’s front bench by the Society of Labour Lawyers...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/733785713819172864
(First published on LabourList 29.9.23.)Labour has promised a ‘Take Back Control Bill’ in the first...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/733694248382332928
(First published on LabourList 23rd October 2023)Labour’s stunning victory in the Rutherglen and...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/733331332623712256
Once again, government sources are suggesting the UK should leave the ECHR if it is used to block...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/725897761263927296
With three by-elections on Thursday and more in the pipeline, I thought it would be interesting to...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/723036462797422593
LabourList asked me to write a blog based on my comments a week ago, focussing on the contemporary...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/713225539510501376
There has been much analysis of both the war and its long-term impact. It prompted me to look back...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/712038697243197440
The government is trying to put its Brexit coalition back together.At first sight, the government’s...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/711390934268510208
Only when England can see itself as England will it be possible to challenge the idea that Britain...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/710707605070315520
As Labour consults the public about the distribution of power, the real debate must be whether the...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/704330141554343936
In the context of a substantial increase in...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/703078393282953216
After all the hype, it’s hard not to be underwhelmed. The Commission on the Future of the UK does...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/702826229278097408
Gordon Brown’s review of the Future of the UK may be published next week. This note, based on...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/702543121831133184
I was asked to speak at the superb Lewes CLP organised ‘Dismantling the Blue Wall’ event on Saturday...
https://www.theoptimisticpatriot.co.uk/post/702160471672946688